Trash bag dispensing systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A system for dispensing trash bags comprises a dispenser including an opening from which stored trash bags may be removed. A prong is positioned to extend partially across the opening of the dispenser. In an additional embodiment, the dispenser is stored within a container having a plurality of exterior walls, an upper opening, and a floor. The floor of the dispenser contains an elevated portion with an aperture extending therethrough. A prong is positioned to extend partially across the aperture. In additional embodiments, the disclosure pertains to methods of removing a trash bag from a dispenser where the bag comes into contact with a prong extending either from the dispenser or the container. The prong acts to at least partially unfold the bag upon removal from the dispenser, aiding the user in securing the trash bag to a garbage can.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/865,909, and filed on Aug. 14, 2013, which is incorporated herein byreference. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/186,210, and filed on Jul. 19, 2011, which isincorporated herein by reference.

RELATED ART

Garbage cans for storing trash are typically lightweight and lined witha disposable trash bag for disposing of the trash when the garbage canis full. The trash bag is typically made of a flexible, lightweightmaterial, such as, for example, plastic. As the trash bag is filled withtrash, the trash bag expands such that an outer surface of the bag hugsan inner surface of the garbage can. When the trash bag is full, removalof the trash bag from the garbage often becomes difficult due to the bagbeing wedged within the can. For example, the can may be lifted from theground as the user attempts to remove the bag from the can. Accordingly,a user might attempt to remove the bag with one hand while holding thecan down with the other hand. Such method of removal is problematic,particularly when the bag is heavy due to a large amount of trash withinthe bag.

Placement of a new, unused trash bag into the can is often problematicbecause disposable plastic bags are generally packed in a foldedposition and placed inside a container such as a box. The disposablebags are often stacked in a sideways position. The walls of the bagtypically stick together upon removal due to static electricity. Theuser may be required to unfold the bag after removing it from thepackaging, often by shaking the ends and/or manually separating theends.

Furthermore, storage of a trash bag dispenser in a separate locationfrom the garbage can consumes storage space which is often limited.Users often store a few new, unused trash bags in the bottom of thegarbage can container for easy access when the full trash bag isremoved. However, such storage of the new trash bags often results incontamination of the bags when the contents of the full trash baginadvertently spill or seep into the garbage can. Such contamination isinconvenient and can become costly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scalerelative to each other, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the disclosure. Furthermore, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the severalviews.

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an exemplary trash bag dispensingsystem in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of an exemplary trash bag dispensingsystem including a bottom floor in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the exemplary trash bag dispensingsystem of FIGS. 1A and 1B with a trash bag installed.

FIG. 3A is a side cutaway view of the system of FIG. 1B with the drawerand the trash bag dispenser removed. FIG. 3B is a side cutaway view ofthe system of FIG. 1B with the drawer and the garbage dispenser removedand including a completely elevated floor.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the system of FIG. 1A with thedrawer and the trash bag dispenser removed.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the trash bag dispensing system of FIGS. 1A and1B with the drawer and the trash bag dispenser removed.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the trash bag dispensing system ofFIGS. 1A and 1B with a false floor and a dispensing piece.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the trash bag dispensing system depicted in FIG.6 with the false floor and the dispensing piece installed.

FIG. 8 is a side cutaway view of the trash bag dispensing system of FIG.6 with the false floor and the dispensing piece installed.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method of using a trash bagdispensing system.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B with the lidinstalled.

FIG. 11A is a top view of a trash bag dispenser containing a prong.

FIG. 11B is a side cutaway view of a trash bag dispenser containing aprong.

FIG. 11C is a side cutaway view of a trash bag dispenser containing ahooked prong.

FIG. 12A is a top view of a trash bag dispensing system containing aprong.

FIG. 12B is a side cutaway view of a trash bag dispensing systemcontaining a prong.

FIG. 12C is a side cutaway view of a trash bag dispensing systemcontaining a hooked prong.

FIG. 13 is top perspective view of an exemplary trash bag dispensingsystem of the disclosure comprising a prong.

FIG. 14 is a side cutaway view of the operation of an exemplary trashbag dispensing system in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a gusseted trash bag in accordancewith the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a gusseted trash bag with insidesurfaces coated with an anti-static substance in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a top view of a trash bag dispensing system with two prongsextending into the aperture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to trash bagdispensing systems and methods. In one exemplary embodiment, a trash bagdispensing system comprises an integrated garbage can and trash bagdispenser. A portion of the floor is elevated and has an opening forreceiving trash bags. A lip of the opening slopes down from the openingto a generally horizontal, flat surface of the elevated floor. A lid mayfit over and completely cover the opening and the lip. The lid may behinged at one location to prevent dislodgement from the surface of thehole. A drawer extends from a wall of the garbage can near the bottom ofthe garbage can, and the drawer receives a trash bag dispensercontaining a plurality of trash bags. When the drawer contains the trashbag dispenser and is in a closed position, the drawer is positionedbelow the elevated floor and the bags of the dispenser align with theopening such that the bags may extend up into the container through thefloor via the opening. In an additional embodiment, the drawer rests ona bottom surface which further prevents the drawer from becomingdislodged when the can is moved. In one embodiment, one or more prongsextend partially across the opening of the top of the dispenser at thepoint where the trash bags are removed. These one or more prongs makecontact with the bags, at least partially unfolding them as they areremoved. In an additional embodiment, the one or more prongs extendpartially across the opening of the elevated floor. These prongs act tounfold the bags as they are removed from the dispenser. Furthermore, thegarbage can is weighted such that removal of a full trash bag from thecan or a new trash bag from the dispenser will not likely lift the canfrom the ground.

FIG. 1A depicts a top perspective view of an exemplary trash bagdispensing system 10. The system 10 comprises a container 12, such as agarbage can, having at least one exterior wall 15, a floor 17, and anupper opening 18. In one embodiment, the container 12 has a plurality ofwalls 15 that are substantially vertical and will be referred to as“vertical walls.” Note that the system 10 may comprise any suitablerigid material, such as, for example, metal or plastic. In oneembodiment, the walls 15 and the upper opening 18 are rounded such thatthe container 12 forms a generally oval shape, although the container 12may have other shapes in other embodiments. A rim 19 is formed aroundthe circumference of the opening 18 at an upper edge of the walls 15.The vertical walls 15 form a cavity 21 for receiving a trash bag 20 tobe used for holding trash. The trash bag 20 may be secured within thecontainer 12 by draping an upper portion of the bag 20 over the rim 19.In one embodiment, a portion of the floor 17 is elevated within thecontainer 12. In this regard, the floor 17 is elevated relative to thesurface on which the trash bag dispensing system 10 rests such that atrash bag dispenser 23 may fit beneath the floor 17 at the base.However, in other embodiments, the entire floor 17 may be elevated fromthe surface on which the system 10 rests such that only bottom edges ofthe walls 15 rest upon the surface.

The system 10 further comprises a drawer 25 for receiving the trash bagdispenser 23. The drawer 25 may have a curved outer panel in order toalign with the rounded surface of the wall 15. The dispenser 23 maycomprise a box in which the disposable trash bags 20 are sold or maycomprise any other suitable container for dispensing the trash bags 20.Upon receiving the dispenser 23, the drawer 25 may be inserted into achannel 27 at the base of the system 10 in order to position thedispenser 23 beneath the floor 17. In one embodiment, the channel 27 isdimensioned such that the drawer 25 fits snugly within the channel 27beneath the floor 17. The channel 27 may have grooves (not shown) orother means for guiding the drawer 25 within the channel 27. In anadditional embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, channel 27 is defined by abottom floor 28 onto which drawer 25 rests after insertion into channel27. In this embodiment, drawer 25 fits within channel 27 and is placedabove the bottom floor 28. Such placement prevents movement of drawer 25relative to the container 12 when the container 12 is moved.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the floor 17 has an aperture 29 forreceiving trash bags 20 from the trash bag dispenser 23. In oneembodiment, shown in FIG. 1A, the aperture 29 may be circular in shape.However, the aperture 29 may have other shapes in other embodiments. Inone embodiment, the aperture 29 has a diameter of about 1 inch to about6 inches, but other dimensions are possible in other embodiments. Theaperture 29 is positioned such that, when the drawer 25 contains thedispenser 23 and is in the closed position, the trash bags 20 extendingfrom the dispenser 23 are aligned with the aperture 29. Thus, a new bag20 may be pulled up through the floor 17 via the aperture 29 after afull bag 20 has been removed from the container 12. Once all of the bags20 are removed from the dispenser 23, the drawer 25 may be opened andthe dispenser 23 may be refilled with bags 20 or replaced with a fulldispenser 23 in order to restock the trash bag dispensing system 10 withtrash bags 20.

Note that a lip 30 extends around the circumference of the opening 29.The lip 30 slopes down from the aperture 29 to a top surface of thefloor 17 such that the aperture 29 is elevated slightly above the topsurface of the floor 17. In this regard, if the trash bag is filled withtrash and is punctured, liquid contents of the bag which spill into thecontainer 12 will be funneled away from the aperture 29 in order toprevent contamination of the bags 20 within the dispenser 23. Liquidcontents may also seep through the trash bag 20, and the raised lip 30prevents such liquid contents from contaminating the bags 20 within thedispenser 23.

In an additional embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, a lid 150 fits overand completely covers raised lip 30 (not shown). As exemplified in thetop view shown in FIG. 10, lid 150 is dimensioned to conform to theshape of the lip 30. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 the lid 150 isoval. However, the lid 150 may have other shapes in other embodiments.The lid 150 may comprise any substantial rigid material which ismoisture resistant, such as, for example, metal or plastic. When the lid150 is positioned to cover raised lip 30, the lid 150 protects the trashbags 20 within the dispenser from contamination. In this regard, liquidsfrom a filled trash bag are blocked by lid 150 and, therefore, will notflow through aperture 29 and contaminate bags 20 within dispenser 23.Lid 150 is attached to floor 17 such that it will not detach or dislodgefrom container 12. Such attachment (not shown) may be accomplishedthrough, for example, a hinge, allowing the lid 150 to be raised and anunused trash bag 20 pulled through aperture 29. The lid 150 may then bereturned to it closed position (i.e., completely covering lip 30). Asillustrated in FIG. 10, the lid 150 may contain a tab 152. Upwardpressure on tab 152 allows for easy removal of the lid 150 from the topof the lip 30.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the container 12 may be weighted suchthat the container 12 is not lifted when a full trash bag 20 is removedfrom the container 12 or when a new trash bag 20 is pulled through theaperture 29. The weight is preferably sufficient to overcome the upwardforce asserted on the container 12 by lifting of the bag 20, but theprecise amount of weight may vary. However, in another embodiment, thesystem 10 may have one or more nooks (not shown) for receiving a user'sfoot. Thus, when removal of the full trash bag 20 is desirable, the usermay insert his/her foot into the nook in order to exert a downward forceon the system 10 which opposes the upward force from the bag 20 and toprevent the system 10 from lifting from the ground as the bag 20 isremoved. Other means for preventing the system 10 from lifting from theground are possible in other embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts the exemplary trash bag dispensing system 10 with a bag20 installed. As shown by FIG. 2, the drawer 25 is in the closedposition. An end of the trash bag 20 is draped over the rim 19 aroundthe entire circumference of the opening 18, and the remainder of the bag20 is positioned within the container 12. Thus, any trash that is placedin the opening 18 of the container 12 is captured by the bag 20 for easyremoval and disposal, as is the case with conventional garbage cans.Furthermore, when removal of the bag 20 is desired, a user may lift thebag 20 vertically to remove the bag 20 from the container 12. As setforth above, in one embodiment, the integrated system 10 is weighted inorder to prevent the system 10 from lifting off of the ground or othersurface when the bag 20 is removed from the container 12. However, inanother embodiment, the system 10 may have at least one nook (not shown)for receiving a user's foot in order to provide resistance against theupward force of the bag 20 and to allow separation of the bag 20 fromthe system 10. Still other means for overcoming the upward force of thebag 20 are possible in other embodiments.

Note that, when the drawer 25 is in the closed position and the trashbag 20 is installed in the trash bag dispensing system 10, the trash bagdispensing system 10 closely resembles a conventional garbage can.However, the trash bag dispensing system 10 avoids the drawbacksassociated with conventional garbage cans.

FIG. 3A depicts a side cutaway view of the container 12 of FIG. 1B. Asshown by FIG. 3A, the container 12 has a generally horizontal floor 17.In one embodiment, as shown by FIG. 3A, a portion 31 of the floor 17,referred to hereafter as the “elevated portion 31,” is elevated withrespect to the base of the container 12, although the entire floor 17may be elevated in other embodiments. Furthermore, the elevated portion31 may be different sizes and shapes in other embodiments. The elevatedportion 31 extends from a wall 15 of the container 12 a given distanceinto the container 12. The floor 17 also has a portion 34 which islocated at the base of the container 12 and is lower than the elevatedportion 31, referred to hereafter as the “lower portion 34.” Theelevated portion 31 and the lower portion 34 are oriented in a generallyhorizontal direction and are coupled by one or more vertical interiorwalls 35. The lower portion 34, the walls 35, and an inner surface ofthe wall 15 of the container 12 form a trough 37 within the container12.

FIG. 3B illustrates a container 12 where the entire floor 17 comprisesan elevated portion 31. Here, the elevated portion 31 extends from wall15 a to an opposite wall 15 b. The floor 17 also has a lower portion 34.The elevated portion 31 and the lower portion 34 are oriented in agenerally horizontal direction. In contrast to container 12 illustratedin FIG. 3A, the container 12 described with reference to FIG. 3B doesnot include a trough 37. Here, container 12 includes a raised projection36 located in the upper surface of floor 28. The back wall 26 of drawer25 (FIG. 1B) abuts against projection 36 as the drawer 25 is insertedinto channel 27, providing greater stability to the system 10.

With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a bottom surface of the elevatedportion 31 and an outer surface of the walls 35 form a channel 27 whichextends into the container 12 at a base of the wall 15. The channel 27extends a given distance into the container 12 beneath the elevatedportion 31 of the floor 17. The channel 27 is dimensioned such that thedrawer 25 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) will fit within the channel 27 when thedrawer 25 is in the closed position. The channel 27 depicted by FIGS. 3Aand 3B is generally rectangular in shape, although the channel 27 mayhave other shapes in other embodiments. Note that the channel 27 shownin FIG. 3A is bordered by the elevated portion 31 on top and by thevertical interior walls 35 on three sides. Thus, the bottom of thechannel 27 and the front of the channel 27 beneath the wall 15 are open.

Furthermore, the floor 17 has the aperture 29 which extends verticallythrough the elevated portion 31 from the channel 27. The aperture 29 hasthe lip 30 encompassing the circumference of the aperture 29, and thelip 30 slopes downwardly away from the aperture 29 to an upper surfaceof the elevated portion 31 of the floor 17. Accordingly, any liquidcontents which may spill or seep into the container 12 from the trashbag 20 are funneled away from the aperture 29 and into the trough 37,thereby preventing contamination of the bags 20 positioned within thedispenser 23 (FIG. 1A) beneath the elevated portion 17. Note that thesystem depicted in FIG. 3B does not include a trough 37. The lip 30 andthe trough 37 also help to prevent contamination of the surface uponwhich the container 12 rests if the drawer 25 is removed from thecontainer 12. Note that, although the aperture 29 depicted by FIGS. 3Aand 3B is circular in shape, the aperture 29 may be different shapes inother embodiments, such as, for example, rectangular. In suchembodiments, the lip 30 surrounds the entire perimeter of the aperture29 and functions in the same way as when the aperture 29 is circular.

FIG. 4 depicts a bottom perspective view of the container 12 of FIG. 1A.The rim 19 extends past the walls 15 around the entire circumference ofthe opening 18 (FIGS. 1A and 1B). The rim 19 depicted by FIG. 4 isrounded, although the rim 19 may have different shapes in otherembodiments. The channel 27 extends from a wall 15 and is formed by thevertical walls 35 and the bottom surface of the elevated portion 31(FIGS. 3A and 3B) of the floor 17. In one embodiment, the channel 27 mayfurther comprise a lower floor 28 (FIG. 3B). The lower portion 34 of thefloor 17 is generally u-shaped and is coupled to the bottoms of thewalls 15 and the walls 35. Thus, the channel 27 and the lower portion 34define the bottom of the container 12. In an additional embodiment, thelower floor 28 (FIG. 1B) and the lower portion 34 define the bottom ofcontainer 12. In one embodiment, the channel 27 is generally rectangularin shape, although other shapes are possible in other embodimentsdepending on the orientation of the walls 15 and 35 and the lowerportion 34.

The container 12 further comprises a plurality of supports 40 on thebottom surface of the lower portion 34 of the floor 17 and/or lowerfloor 28. In one embodiment, the supports 40 are formed as part of thelower portion 34 and comprise the same material as the container 12,such as, for example, plastic. However, in another embodiment, thesupports 40 are attached to a lower surface of the lower portion 34 andcomprise rubber, although other materials are possible. In an additionalembodiment, supports 40 are also attached to lower floor 28. Thesupports 40 extend from the bottom surface of the lower portion 34and/or lower floor 28 and support the weight of the container 12 inorder to prevent the bottom surface of the lower portion 34 and/or lowerfloor 28 from resting directly on the floor, ground, or other surface onwhich the trash bag dispensing system 10 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) rests. In oneembodiment, the supports 40 also grip to the floor, ground or othersurface in order to prevent the system 10 from sliding and scratchingsuch surface. While five supports 40 are shown in FIG. 4, other numbersof supports 40 are possible in other embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the container 12 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. As setforth above, in one embodiment, the container 12 is generally oval inshape, although other shapes are possible. The container 12 comprisesthe floor 17 having the elevated portion 31 and the lower portion 34. Inone embodiment (FIG. 3A), the elevated portion 31 extends from a wall 15of the container 12 towards the opposing wall 15 and is surrounded onthree sides by the lower portion 34. The elevated portion 31 may extenddifferent distances and may comprise a different amount of the floor 17in other embodiments. In an additional embodiment (FIG. 3B), theelevated portion extends the entire length of the container 12. In anadditional embodiment, the difference in elevation between the elevatedportion 31 and the lower portion 34 forms the trough 37 (FIG. 3A) forcapturing liquid which may leak from the bag 20 (FIGS. 1A and 1B).

The elevated portion 31 has the aperture 29 extending into the container12 from the channel 27. The rim 30 encompasses the aperture 29 andslopes down to the elevated portion 31 away from the aperture 29. Thus,if liquid is spilled into the container 12, the liquid will not befunneled into the aperture 29 but will instead be directed away from theaperture 29 and into the trough 37. Accordingly, the bags 20 in the bagdispenser 23 (FIG. 1A) [“bags 20” not shown in FIG. 1B] which arepositioned directly below the aperture 29 will likely remainuncontaminated by the spilled liquid. In one embodiment, shown by FIG.5, the supports 40 are formed as part of the lower portion 34. However,in another embodiment, the supports 40 extend through the lower portion34 and are held in place by screws (not shown) or other suitableattachment means.

FIG. 6 depicts a top perspective view of the trash bag dispensing system10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B having a false floor 50 and a dispensing piece 52.The drawer 25 is in a closed position. As shown by FIG. 6, the trash bagdispensing system 10 further comprises the false floor 50 having aplurality of legs 54 extending from a lower surface of the false floor50. The false floor 50 has the same dimensions as the lower portion 34(FIG. 3A) of the floor 17 (FIG. 1A) in order to allow the false floor 50to fit around the elevated portion 31 (FIG. 3A) of the floor 17. Whilethe false floor 50 shown in FIG. 6 is generally u-shaped, the falsefloor 50 may have different shapes in other embodiments depending on thedimensions of the elevated portion 31 and the lower portion 34. The legs54 are approximately the same length as the vertical interior walls 35(FIGS. 3A and 3B) in order position the false floor 50 on substantiallythe same plane as the elevated portion 31 of the floor 17. Thus, whenthe false floor 50 is installed within the container 12, the elevatedportion 31 and the false floor 50 form a flat surface which fills theentire inner circumference of the container 12.

In one embodiment, the trash bag dispensing system 10 further comprisesthe dispensing piece 52. The dispensing piece 52 is dimensioned to fitover the aperture 29 (FIG. 1A). The dispensing piece 52 shown in FIG. 6is circular, although other shapes are possible in other embodimentsdepending on the shape of the aperture 29. In one embodiment, thedispensing piece 52 has at least one slit 56 extending through thedispensing piece 52 for receiving trash bags 20 (FIG. 1A). Thus, whenthe dispensing piece 52 is positioned over the aperture 29, a trash bag20 may be pulled up through the slit 56 into the container 12. In oneembodiment, the slit 56 is dimensioned such that only one trash bag 20will pass through the slit 56 at a time, thereby allowing the user toquickly access the bag 20 for placement upon the container 12. In otherembodiments, the dispensing piece 52 may have different means fordispensing trash bags 20. Further, in the embodiment shown by FIG. 6,the slit 56 is in the shape of an “X,” but other shapes are possible. Asan example, the slit 56 may be circular.

When the dispensing piece 52 is positioned over the aperture 29, thedispensing piece 52 further protects the trash bags 20 within thedispenser 23 from contamination by covering a majority of the aperture29 and directing the spilled liquid or other trash away from theaperture 29. Furthermore, the false floor 50 may comprise a relativelydense material, such as, for example, steel or other metal or similarmaterial, which may be inexpensive yet adds a sufficient amount ofweight to the system 10 in order to overcome the upward force applied tothe system 10 when the full trash bag 20 is removed from the container12 or when a new trash bag 20 is pulled through the dispensing piece 52.Additional weight other than the weight of the false floor 50 may beadded to the system 10 in other embodiments.

During the manufacturing process, trash bags 20 are folded, stacked andinserted into a dispenser 23, for example a cardboard box. In general,the folded stacks are inserted into the dispenser 23 in a sidewiseorientation such that the top or open end of the trash bag 20 is facingthe side of the dispenser 23. The stack of trash bags 20 is compressedto maximize the number of bags 20 that may fit into the dispenser 23. Asa result, a trash bag 20 is typically shaken, unfolded and opened beforeplacement into the trash can. This ensures that the sides of bags 20 donot stick together, shrinking the dimensions of bag 20 and causing thediscarded materials to overflow out of the container 12.

Turning now to FIG. 11A, a top view of trash bag dispenser 23, an uppersurface 41 of the dispenser 23 forms a prong 160, which extends inwardstowards the center of the opening 42. FIG. 11B illustrates a side viewof trash bag dispenser 23 containing a prong 160. Although the examplesillustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a prong 160 with a rod-likeshape, the present disclosure also contemplates prongs of other shapes.As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, prong 160 protrudes inwards at a distanceof approximately one half of the diameter of opening 40. The presentdisclosure contemplates other lengths of prong 160, for instance onethat protrudes one-quarter of the diameter of the opening 40. In apreferred embodiment, the prong 160 protrudes no more thanthree-quarters the diameter of the opening 40. The prong 160 may be ofany thickness that provides stability and strength to prevent breakingof the prong 160 during use. In one example, prong 160 is approximately⅜ inches wide (along the axis designated as “X”), although otherthicknesses are contemplated. The prong 160 may be constructed from anymaterial, for example the same materials used to produce lid 150. Inother embodiments, prong 160 may be constructed from a flexible orsemi-flexible material such as rubber. The trash bag dispenser 23,including prong 160 which extends inwards towards the center of theopening 40, may fit beneath floor 17 at the base of the trash bagdispensing system 10. In an additional embodiment illustrated in FIG.11C, trash bag dispenser 23 includes a hooked prong 162 which curvesslightly downwards. In an additional embodiment, the upper surface 41 oftrash bag dispenser 43 may contain more than one prong. Turning to FIG.17, the upper surface of dispenser 23 forms two prongs 160 a and 160 bwhich extend inward towards the center of the opening 40. Prongs 160 aand 160 b may be of any size, shape or construction as described above.Additionally, prongs 160 a and 160 b may be similarly sized or may bedifferently sized.

FIG. 11A illustrates one example of prong 160 connected to or as anintegral part of the upper surface 41 of trash bag dispenser 23. Inadditional embodiments, prong 160 may be attached to structures otherthan the trash bag dispenser 23. FIG. 12A, a top view of container 12,and FIG. 12B, as side view of container 12, provide furtherillustrations of the prong 160. Here, prong 160 extends from the floor17 of container 12 and into the aperture 29. FIG. 12C illustrates anembodiment including a prong 162 which is hooked and extends slightlydownward. Prongs 160 and 162 contain similar structure and sizing asdescribed above in regards to the prongs 160 and 162 attached to trashbag dispenser 23 (FIG. 11A). Although the prongs 160 and 162 illustratedin FIGS. 12A-12C have a rod-like shape, the present disclosure alsocontemplates prongs of other shapes which may be utilized with container12. Prongs 160 and 162, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C, protrudeinwards at a distance of approximately one-half of the diameter of theaperture 29. Other lengths of prongs 160 and 162 are also contemplated,for instance those that protrude one-quarter of the diameter of theaperture 29. In a preferred embodiment, prongs 160 and 162 protrude nomore than three-quarters the diameter of the aperture 29. As describedabove, the prongs 160 and 162 may be constructed from any rigid,flexible or semi-flexible material, for example the same materials usedto produce lid 150. In an additional embodiment, more than one prong mayextend from the floor 17 of container 12 and into the aperture 29 (seeFIG. 17, described hereinafter). These prongs may contain similarstructure and sizing as described above. Additionally, the one or moreprongs may be similarly sized or may be differently sized.

In practice, prong 160 or 162 makes contact with a trash bag 20 as it isremoved from the dispenser 23 or the aperture 29 by the user. Referringnow to FIG. 17, which illustrates two prongs, the prong 160 a or 160 bapplies some resistance to the upward movement of the trash bag 20 outof the dispenser 23 through opening 40 or aperture 29. This resistanceis not great enough to rip or tear the trash bag 20, but does act to atleast partially unfold the bag as it is drawn out of the dispenser 23 oraperture 29, thus eliminating or reducing the need for the user to shakethe bag 20 before use. The prong 160 a or 160 b aids the user in quicklyapplying the trash bag 20 to a trash can.

Note that when the prong 160 or 162 is located on the dispenser 23, asshown by FIGS. 11A-11C, it is unnecessary for the container 12 to beused in conjunction with the dispenser 23 for the prong 160 or 162 tofacilitate unfolding of trash bags. Indeed, one or more trash bags maybe dispensed from the dispenser 23 with the prong 160 contacting thebags being removed to help unfold them. Such bags may be positioned in aconventional trash can as may be desired.

In an additional embodiment, the trash bag dispensing system 10 of thepresent disclosure may utilize trash bags 20 with a gusset bottom. Asillustrated in FIG. 15, a gusseted trash bag 200 contains a flat bottom202 manufactured by folding or tucking the sides of the bag 200together. The flat bottom 202 produced by the folding process permitsthe bag 200 to conform to the flat bottom of the container 12, furtherpreventing leaks and contamination. This construction also allows forgreater expansion and loading of the trash bag 20. This constructionpermits the filled trash bag 200 to maintain an upright position afterremoval from the container 12. In this embodiment, the user may remove afull bag 200 from the container 12 and set it aside without the threatof the bag tipping over and spilling its contents. In an additionalembodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, a substance 210 for reducing staticelectricity is inserted or otherwise positioned within each trash bag200 before the trash bags 200 are inserted into the dispenser 23. As anexample, the inside surface of the trash bag 200 may be coated with asubstance 210, for instance a powder-like substance, for reducing staticelectricity in the trash bag 200. By reducing static electricity, thesubstance 210 allows for easier unfolding. In one embodiment, thesubstance 210 has antimicrobial properties or a fragrance to preventunpleasant odors. In an additional embodiment, the interior surface oftrash bag 200 is coated with baking soda or a baking soda-containingmaterial. Other materials may be used to coat the interior surface oftrash bags 20 in other embodiments. Although not illustrated in thefigures, an anti-static substance 210 may be used with other,non-gusseted trash bags. Here, an anti-static substance, for examplebaking soda, may be applied to the inside surfaces of trash bag 20(i.e., a non-gusseted trash bag) before the bag 20 is folded andinserted into a trash bag container 23. The trash bag 20 comes intocontact with at least one prong located on the upper surface of thecontainer 23 or at least one prong extending from the floor 17 ofcontainer 12. The anti-static substance prevents the interior walls ofthe bag 20 from sticking together. As a result, the bag more easilyunfolds after coming into contact with the prongs. The user may theninstall the bag onto the appropriate trash can or trash bag dispensingsystem 12 without the need to shake the bag.

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the trash bag dispensing system 10 of FIG.6. The false floor 50 is positioned within the container 12 around theelevated portion 31, and the dispensing piece 52 is positioned over theaperture 29. The false floor 50 is in generally the same plane as theelevated portion 31 such that the false floor 50 and the elevatedportion 31 form a substantially flat surface within the container 12.Thus, when a trash bag 20 is installed in the container 12, a bottomsurface of the trash bag 20 rests on the flat surface until removal ofthe trash bag 20 is desired.

Note that no trash bag 20 is installed within the container 12 of FIG.7, but a new trash bag 20 is extending from the dispenser 23 (FIG. 1A),through the aperture 29, and through the dispensing piece 52 into thecontainer 12. When the trash bag 20 is pulled upward into the container12, the slit 56 of the dispensing piece 52 hugs opposing sides of thebag 20 in order to ensure that only one bag 20 is dispensed at a time.As set forth above, the weight of the false floor 50 opposes the upwardforce applied to the system 10 when the bag 20 is dispensed in order toprevent the system 10 from lifting off of the surface on which it rests.However, in one embodiment, as set forth above, the container 12 mayhave one or more nooks (not shown) for receiving a user's foot therebyopposing the upward force of the bag 20.

FIG. 8 depicts a side cutaway view of the trash bag dispensing system 10of FIG. 6. Note that, in FIG. 8, the false floor 50 is installed in thecontainer 12 and the dispensing piece 52 is positioned over the aperture29. Also note that the dispenser 23 is positioned within the drawer 25,the drawer 25 is in the closed position, and the bag 20 is extendingfrom the dispenser 23 to the aperture 29 just below the dispensing piece52. Thus, when the dispenser 23 is placed in the drawer 25 and thedrawer 25 is in the closed position, the bags 20 extending from thedispenser 23 are vertically aligned with the aperture 29. Accordingly,when a new trash bag 20 is desired, the user may reach through thedispensing piece 52 and pull the new trash bag 20 through the aperture29 and the dispensing piece 52 into the container 12 for installation inthe container 12. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 includes anelevated portion 31 which does not extend the entire distance betweenwalls 15 and a trough 37. In other embodiments (not shown) the elevatedportion extends the entire distance between walls 15 (i.e., FIG. 3B).

FIG. 13 provides an exemplary embodiment of a trash bag dispensingsystem 10 including a prong 160 projecting from the floor 17 into theaperture 29. As will be discussed in greater detail below, this prong160 provides greater resistance to the upward movement of bags 20 asthey are removed from dispenser 23 through aperture 29, furtherunfolding the trash bags 20. Such a hook may be present in anyembodiment, including when the prong extends from an upper surface ofthe dispenser 23, as described above with reference to FIGS. 11A-11C,and when the prong extends from the container 12, as described abovewith reference to FIGS. 12A-12C.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 8, the false floor 50 is level with theelevated surface 31 and covers the entire trough 37. The legs 54 extendgenerally perpendicularly from a bottom surface of the false floor 50and each leg 54 is positioned within the corresponding support 40 inorder to secure the false floor 50 in place. Furthermore, the dispensingpiece 52 assists in diverting spilled liquid from the aperture 29 intothe trough 37 beneath the false floor 50. In one embodiment, placementof the false floor 50 around the elevated portion 31 creates awater-tight seal around the trough 37 which prevents liquid fromentering the trough 37. In any event, any liquid or other trash whichmay enter the container 12 when no bag is installed or otherwise doesnot contaminate the bags 20 within the dispenser 23 but is maintainedwithin the container 12.

In one exemplary embodiment, assume that the container 12 is generallyoval in shape and comprises plastic. Also assume that the elevatedportion 31 of the floor 17 extends from a first wall 15 a of thecontainer 12 to a second and opposite wall 15 b of container 12. Furtherassume that the drawer 25 has a curved outer panel which aligns with thecurved surface of the walls 15 a and 15 b while the drawer rests uponfloor 28 of channel 27 (FIG. 3B), and the dispenser 23 comprises a boxin which the trash bags 20 are packaged. Also assume that the aperture29 is circular and has the lip 30 extending around the circumference ofthe aperture 29. Assume also that aperture 29 includes one or moreprongs 160 or 162 extending from its edges towards its center. Finallyassume that the false floor 50 is generally u-shaped and is sufficientlyweighted to prevent the trash bag dispensing system 10 from lifting offof the surface when a trash bag 20 is removed from the container 12 orthe dispenser 23.

The trash bag dispenser 23 having new trash bags 20 is positioned withinthe drawer 25 when the drawer 25 is in an open position, as shown byblock 100 of FIG. 9. A new trash bag 20 extends partially from thedispenser 23 in a vertical direction. The drawer 25 is transitioned byhand to a closed position such that the new trash bag 20 extending fromthe dispenser 23 is vertically aligned with the aperture 29 of theelevated portion 31 of the floor 17, as shown by block 102. Wheninstallation of the new trash bag 20 in the container 12 is desired, theuser opens the lid 150 covering the aperture, reaches through thedispensing piece 52 and through the aperture 29 in order to grab the newtrash bag 20 and pull the bag 20 upward through the aperture 29 and thedispensing piece 52 into the container 12, as shown by block 104. Thetrash bag 20 comes into contact with one or more prongs 160 or 162extending from the edges of the aperture 29 partially towards the centerof the aperture 29. The prongs 160 or 162 cause friction on the bag 20as it is pulled through the aperture 29, causing the bag to unfold,allowing easy installation of the bag. The dispensing piece 52 ensuresthat only one bag 20 is pulled into the container 12 at a time. The userthen closes the lid 150 covering the aperture. The user may then installthe trash bag 20 in the container 12 such that an upper portion of thetrash bag 20 drapes over the rim 19 of the container 12 around theentire circumference of the rim 19, as shown by block 106. Trash maythen be placed or thrown into the trash bag 20 while the bag 20 isinstalled in the container 12.

Now assume that the trash bag 20 is completely filled with trash. Oncethe trash bag 20 is filled with trash, the user removes the upperportion of the bag 20 from over the rim 19 and lifts the bag 20 from thecontainer 12. The weight of the trash bag dispensing system 10 opposesthe upward force placed on the inner surface of the container 12 by thetrash bag 20 such that the bag 20 is disengaged from within thecontainer 12 without lifting the trash bag dispensing system 10 from theground during removal, as shown by block 108. The bag 20 is easilyremoved from the container 12 and disposed of.

Now assume that the trash bag 20 is ripped during removal and spillsliquid contents into the container 12. The lip 30 extending around theaperture 29 directs the liquid away from the aperture 29 such that theliquid does not contaminate the new trash bags 20 within the dispenser23. In addition, the lid 150 covering the aperture also preventscontamination by any liquids. Any liquid which spills directly onto thedispensing piece 52 is directed away from the aperture 29 by thedispensing piece 52 and lid 150.

Once the full trash bag 20 is removed from the container 12, the usermay open the lid of the aperture 150 and check to see whether any newtrash bags 20 remain in the dispenser 23, as shown by block 110. If atleast one new trash bag 20 remains in the dispenser 23, the user mayreach into the container 12 and pull a new trash bag 20 up through theaperture 29 and the dispensing piece 52 into the container 12, as shownby block 104. The user may then install the trash bag 20 in thecontainer, as shown by block 106. Such process is repeated until no newtrash bags 20 remain in the dispenser 23.

Now assume that all of the new trash bags 20 have been removed from thedispenser 23, as shown by block 110. The user transitions the drawer 25by hand to the open position and removes the dispenser 23 from thedrawer 25, as shown by block 112. The user then places a new dispenser23 having new trash bags 20 in the drawer 25 when the drawer 25 is inthe open position, as shown by block 100. The user then transitions thedrawer 25 to the closed position such that the new trash bag 20extending vertically from the dispenser 23 is vertically aligned withthe opening 29, as shown by block 102. The user may then resume theprocess of removing the new trash bags 20 from the dispenser 23 andinstalling the bags 20 in the container 12. Accordingly, a trash bagdispensing system 10 which avoids the drawbacks associated withconventional garbage cans is provided.

Now, therefore, the following is claimed:
 1. A trash bag dispensingsystem, comprising: a plurality of trash bags; and a dispenser forstoring the plurality of trash bags, the dispenser including an openingfrom which the trash bags may be removed, wherein one or more prongs arepositioned to extend at least partially across the opening of thedispenser.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more prongsextend from a surface of the dispenser.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the one or more prongs extend at least halfway across thediameter of the opening.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein an inward endof the one or more prongs is curved.
 5. The system of claim 1, whereinthe trash bags contain a gusseted bottom.
 6. The system of claim 1,further comprising an anti-static substance inside of at least one ofthe trash bags.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the anti-staticsubstance comprises baking soda.
 8. A trash bag dispensing system,comprising: a container having a plurality of exterior walls, an upperopening, and a floor, the floor having an elevated portion and a lowerportion coupled by at least one interior wall, the elevated portionhaving an aperture extending therethrough; a plurality of trash bagsstored within the container; and one or more prongs positioned to extendat least partially across the aperture.
 9. The system of claim 8,wherein the one or more prongs extend from a surface of the aperture.10. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more prongs extend atleast halfway across the diameter of the aperture.
 11. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the inward end of the one or more prongs is curved. 12.The system of claim 8, wherein the trash bags contain a gusseted bottom.13. The system of claim 8, further comprising an anti-static substanceinside at least one of the trash bags stored in the container.
 14. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the anti-static substance comprises bakingsoda.
 15. A method, comprising removing a trash bag from a dispenserthrough an opening in the dispenser; and bringing the trash bag intocontact with one or more prongs positioned to extend partially acrossthe opening of the dispenser such that the one or more prongs at leastpartially unfold the trash bag.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein theone or more prongs extend from a surface of the dispenser.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the dispenser is inserted into a container,and wherein the prong extends from the container.
 18. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the inward end of the one or more prongs is curved.19. The method of claim 15, wherein the trash bag has an antistaticsubstance located inside of the trash bag during the removing.
 20. Amethod, comprising removing a trash bag from a container for storing theplurality of trash bags, the container having an upper opening and afloor, the floor having an elevated portion and a lower portion, theelevated portion having an aperture extending therethrough; and bringingthe trash bag into contact with one or more prongs positioned to extendat least partially across the aperture so that the trash bag at leastpartially unfolds.
 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the one or moreprongs extend from a surface of the dispenser.
 22. The system of claim20, wherein the one or more prongs extend at least halfway across thediameter of the opening.
 23. The system of claim 20, wherein the inwardend of the one or more prongs is curved.